Hopping and bouncing from bar to bar, ice cream shops to record stores – the growing crescendo of jazz music was our guide as the 2026 Eau Claire Jazz Festival and its one-night jazz crawl swept through downtown.

From 5pm to 2am on April 17, our Eau Claire’s downtown streets were transformed into a jazz scene directly out of the movies. For us locals, the festival feels more present than ever – as it celebrates the 59 years of this beloved tradition.

Instrumentalists – both local and traveling – performed across more than a dozen venues along Barstow Street, such as The Stones Throw, Phoenix Coffee, The Rev, Children’s Museum of Eau Claire, Reboot Social and more. 

Ensembles including notable classics like Cathy Reitz & 7Swing, Mélange Trio, Aaron Kerr’s Dissonant Creatures – among many others – showcased their talents from acoustic, big band ensembles, blues, ragtime and of course, timeless renditions of jazz staples.

Along Dewey Street at The Local Store and Volume One headquarters, guests had the chance to view emerging talents of Memorial High School’s Combo Jazz program. The Eau Claire Jazz Festival’s annual Concert Series – performed at the RCU Theater at the Pablo Center – welcomed trumpeter Byron Stripling and trombonist Wycliffe Gordon to the Valley.

As we reflect on the smiles, drinks, dancing and electrifying chorus which filled the night this past weekend, all we can say now is: Let’s do it again next year?